Wellington, Florida, USA – February 17, 2019 – Team Mexico won the $290,000 Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ of the United States of America CSIO 5* yesterday, the grand finale of “Nations Cup Week” during the Palm Beach Masters Series at Deeridge Farms.

The first leg of the 2019 championship series also marked the the first challenge of the North/Central America and Caribbean League. Erynn Ballard (CAN) and Darko’s Promise got the competition started but it was the following duo, Elizabeth “Beezie” Madden (USA) and Breitling LS who produced the first clear in round 1.

Fernando Martinez Sommer (MEX) & Cor Bakker

Fernando Martinez Sommer (MEX) and Cor Bakker (Colandro x Quattro) were the first ones to go for the eventual winners, registering four penalty-points, a score they repeated in the second round.

Eugenio Garza Perez (MEX) & Victer Finn DH Z

Eugenio Garza Perez (MEX) and Victer Finn DH Z (Va Vite x Stakkato) were brilliant throughout their two flawless performances, putting the team in definite contention for top honors.

Juan Jose Zendejas Salgado (MEX) & Tino La Chapelle

Juan Jose Zendejas Salgado (MEX) and Tino La Chapelle’s (Mylord Carthago x Verdi) clean scorecard in the first round was proof that Team Mexico were serious contenders against powerhouses of the sport, USA and Canada, and the rising star of Israel. Zendejas and his 12-year-old Selle Français gelding had the chance to seal the deal in the second round, coming short due to a total of eight-penalty points.

Manuel Gonzalez Dufrane (MEX) & Hortensia van de Leeuwerk

Anchorman Manuel Gonzalez Dufrane (MEX) and Hortensia van de Leeuwerk (Corland x Argeninus) had given “Las Aquilas” a comfortable margin going into the second round with a penalty-free first-round performance. Dufrane could afford one rail down in the second round and they would still win it.

He showed nerves of steel, at one point holding her back a bit to make sure they would get across one of the obstacles  on the 1.60m course designed by Alan Wade (IRL). You could feel the tension in the air and spectators holding their breath as the twenty-four-year-old rider turned, guiding the grey mare towards the home stretch before soaring over the triple combination and the final oxer to clinch a historic victory.

Winner’s Circle

Stanny Van Paesschen – Chef d’Equipe of Team Mexico

“First off, I want to thank my riders and their supporters, and we can’t forget all of the good trainers in Mexico, who have helped this great team of young guys perform so well. Enrique Gonzalez was also a part of the winning team. He was with Manuel in the practice ring because I was watching the riders at the ring and he made it happen with a double-clear round. I think we have a great team.”

“I always have a little bit of an idea. Eugenio is often number one and I wanted to put him a little further back. He must not always pull the car and I think it was good. Enrique [Gonzalez] was our fifth one but unfortunately his mare had a little bit of a temperature — she’s OK today.”

Eugenio Garza Perez

“It feels good. Coming off of Dublin, we knew that we had a good team. Mexico has great riders and horses. This is a bit different because over there I was the young one and here, I’m still a young one, but at least I don’t feel out of place. These three riders are amazing. They really ride much more than their age. I was really happy to help pull out the win.”

“My horse, Victer, is the same horse I rode in Dublin. He’s a great horse. He was off a bit last year but he came back great and feels great. He’s an all around great horse.”

“It all starts with [Stanny Van Paesschen]. He’s really brought a change as well as the team of people behind him. Our federation has been amazing to us. They’ve really pushed the sport to a whole new level. Hopefully this can continue happening and you’ll see Team Mexico at more press conferences.”

“I thought it was a lovely course. Alan Wade (IRL) is one of the best course designers in the world. We’re lucky to have him here. It was a really nice course and my horse jumped it great.”

Juan Jose Zendejas Salgado
“I got him when he was 9. I’ve jumped a couple of Nations Cups with him. He was really good in the first round. In the second round, he was a little bit hot but my teammates were amazing and they pulled out the win. I’m really happy.”

“It was a very delicate course. You had to be on point. If you had one mistake in one line, it could cost the next fence. It was really good, challenging and big enough.”

Manuel Gonzalez Dufrane

“It’s amazing. This is my first ever Nations Cup. I tried to focus and keep calm. Everything went good.”

“I know my mare quite well. Today, [my team] gave me some advice on getting her more connected and that made her jump even better.”

Fernando Martinez Sommer

“I got my horse when he was a late 7-year-old. I’ve been jumping him at the grand prix level for two years. This is my first Nations Cup win. I love him. He has a big heart and is always a fighter. I’m really pleased with him.”

“For me, the course was difficult enough. I think it was a careful course. My horse has a really big stride so he was a bit steady on time.”

Dale Dale! Champagne shower for the winners!

RESULTS – $290,000 Longines FEI Jumping Nations Cup™ USA CSIO 5*
1) MEXICO – 4 penalty-points
Fernando Martinez Sommer & Cor Bakker – 4 / 4,
Eugenio Garza Paerez & Victer Finn DHZ – 0 / 0
Juan Jose Zendejas Salgado & Tino la Chapelle – 0 / 8
Manuel Gonzalez Dufrane & Hortensia van de Leeuwerk – 0 / 0

2) ISRAEL – 9 penalty-points
Daniel Bluman & Ladriano Z – 0 / 0
Ilan Ferder & J’adore van het Klinkhof – 5 / 8
Ashlee Bond & Chela LS – 4 / 0
Danielle Goldstein & Lizziemary – 8 / 0

3) UNITED STATES OF AMERICA – 12 penalty-points
Elizabeth “Beezie” Madden & Breitling LS – 0 / 4
Lucy Deslauriers & Hester – 8 / 0
Laura Kraut & Confu – 4 / 0
McLain Ward & HH Azur – 4 / 4.

For full results, please click here.

Photos: © Jumper News